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Cycling through the Autumn leaves

A few weeks ago, I joined Eindhoven Cycling Tours for an Autumn Leaves Forest Tour, and it certainly was true to its name!

It was, let’s say, a crisp morning when a bunch of internationals set off with our trusty local fountain of cycling knowledge, Maurice. Having lived and traveled abroad extensively himself, Maurice came up with the idea for Eindhoven Cycling Tours to show people a different side to the city and its surrounds. One that includes expanses of nature, peace, fresh air, wildlife, castles, and quaint villages, all within about an hour of cycling from the city centre.

The trip I joined wound through the stunning areas of Gijzenrooi and Stratumse Heide, taking in a warm drink (or cold beer) at the Hut van Mie Pils in Waalre, and back into Eindhoven. Along the way we biked on narrow bike paths that appeared to be part of the natural landscape itself – red, gold, and orange leaves were everywhere, dropped and shimmering from the tunnel of trees that lined our track. We also came across two of the friendliest horses (who didn’t mind modelling for all the cameras), as well as a few dog walkers, joggers and other cyclists. The whole trip was about 3 hours of easy cycling, with plenty of opportunities to take photos along the way.

Not being much of a photographer myself, I preferred to ride and chat, while most others clicked in their memories of this lovely part of the world. I’m grateful they did, because this is a taste of what was captured…

The last Autumn Leaves Forest Tour of 2016 is on Sunday, 4 December. You can find all the details and RSVP on the Eindhoven Cycling Tours Facebook page. Happy cycling!

*All photos provided courtesy of Daniel Pleşa. Please do not copy without the photographer’s permission. To see more of his amazing photos, check him out on Instagram